A year ago today I never thought that leaving home would change the person I am. It takes a lot for people to leave their past behind and move forward since we are all unsure about what the future holds. Leaving any place that you have called "home" is difficult, but well worth it. It comes with a lot of unexplainable emotions which is just simply the rollercoaster of life.

Here I am, a year into college and it's unbelievable how fast time flies. I always wanted to travel far, go to college, and leave home, but when it came time to do so it wasn't all that easy. I'm sure most all of us look back at our past and wish we would tell our past self what our future self now knows. But, we have to learn through experience. So, a year ago today I never thought it would end up like this, which I'm sure many people can agree with.

Leaving your place is definitely an experience outside your comfort zone but that's how we all can meet new people and find new places. No one said it would be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.

Leaving doesn't mean forgetting. Remember that. Although you are gone, you are still remembered and your loved ones back at home will remind you that there is always room for you. You get to become independent without anyone nagging you to be home in an hour, you get to make your own rules and be who ever you want to be.

You learn to become open-minded because not everyone is like you and everyone has different opinions. You learn to accept people for who they are because they aren't changing for you. Stay true to yourself and those who want to stay will stay.

Leaving home changes you in ways that you didn't know you could change. It's always nice to go back home for a little while, but every time I'm home I'm reminded that leaving and branching out was a decision that I am glad I made.